It was clear that her ladyship was not going to bemoan what could not be avoided, and was far more concerned that it should all pass off without any mishap that might provide other matrons with an opportunity to make snide comments, however much of a charade it might be. It meant that for several days running Caroline and Henrietta had to be dressed in their unwanted finery and practise walking forwards, and backwards, curtseying and bowing their heads with the nodding plumes. On the first day, one of Caroline’s dislodged itself from the headdress and flopped forwards over her face. Caroline laughed, but her mama evinced every sign of panic, and thereafter clenched her hands together as if in prayer whenever either girl bowed their head.

The preparations for the presentation took some of the pleasure out of it, confided Caroline to Henrietta, in the privacy of her bedchamber.

‘I confess it is feeling more like a challenge to be faced, even though it does mean seeing the Queen. I would far prefer it was just another party, for Mama is becoming more nervous by the day, which makes me more nervous too.’

‘I am still concerned at the cost.’ Henrietta bit her lip. ‘Papa may have expected it, but I feel it is a burden.’

‘And it is not even as though the gowns are pretty.’ Caroline pulled a face.

‘Well, I have been thinking about it. There is plenty of material in the skirts, so one might have a bodice and a half slip made from it, if it is not too stiff, or perhaps an underskirt, but I am not convinced it will simply be too thick a fabric.’

‘You mean have it cut up?’

‘Yes, why not. It will be of no use otherwise.’ She grinned. ‘Unless we have curtains made from them.’

‘Do not suggest that to Mama.’

‘Well, no, I will not, but I think the ostrich feathers might be curled more, and dyed, and added to hats. I refuse to ever wear them as hair ornaments ever again.’

‘They have caused us enough trouble.’ Caroline sighed.

‘Is that sigh over the feathers, or something else, Caroline?’ Henrietta’s eyes narrowed.

‘I … oh, it is nothing.’ There was a pause. ‘What do you think of Marianne Dean?’

‘I cannot say that I have spent much time in her company, but she appears to be very … industrious. She told me her mama is very keen for her to form an attachment in her first Season, because her younger sister ought to make her come-out next year. Apparently she is only fifteen months Miss Dean’s junior. There is, I think, a lot of pressure on her. I rather pity her.’